How much does a building permit cost in Wadsworth, OH?

The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Wadsworth uses flat zoning fees and square-foot based formulas for some building fee lines. County building fees apply separately after the 2025 transfer.. Plan check fee: $65.55 for new dwellings; $40.30 for other residential plan review items (County).

How do I apply for a building permit in Wadsworth, OH?

1. Determine whether the project needs only a city zoning permit, or both city zoning approval and a Medina County building permit. 2. For city zoning permits, download the Wadsworth zoning permit application and submit it by email, mail, or drop box with a site plan and supporting materials. 3. For commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects, obtain required Planning Commission approval before the city issues zoning approval. 4. For building-code permits, submit the county application, plans, and site plot through the Medina County PCS process after confirming jurisdiction and obtaining city zoning approval. 5. Pay city zoning fees and county plan review and permit fees. 6. Schedule county inspections for building-code work and complete final approvals.

What work is exempt from building permits in Wadsworth, OH?

The following work is generally exempt: Above-ground pools containing less than 24 inches of water do not require a zoning permit. Note: No broader Wadsworth public exemption list was located for all permit categories.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Wadsworth, OH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 330-722-9220 (County). County inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility..

City Building Permits

Wadsworth, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Wadsworth, Ohio. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Ohio Medina County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Beginning January 1, 2025, Wadsworth transferred residential building permits, plan review, and inspections for 1, 2, and 3 family dwellings to the Medina County Building Department. The City still issues zoning permits and continues to handle planning approvals. Commercial, industrial, and multifamily building permits are also handled by Medina County, with city zoning approval first.

Department: City of Wadsworth Planning and Zoning for zoning permits; Medina County Building Department for building permits, plan review, and inspections
Address: City of Wadsworth Planning and Zoning, 120 Maple Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281; Medina County Building Department, 791 W Smith Road, Medina, OH 44256
Phone: City: 330-335-2753 or 330-335-2752; County: 330-722-9220
Email: jkaiser@wadsworthcity.org , jstefl@wadsworthcity.org , res_plans@medinaco.org
Website: https://www.wadsworthcity.com/920/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open PCS Permit Portal (County Building Permits)

Platform: PCS Permit Portal for county; Email/mail/phone for city zoning • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the project needs only a city zoning permit, or both city zoning approval and a Medina County building permit.
For city zoning permits, download the Wadsworth zoning permit application and submit it by email, mail, or drop box with a site plan and supporting materials.
For commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects, obtain required Planning Commission approval before the city issues zoning approval.
For building-code permits, submit the county application, plans, and site plot through the Medina County PCS process after confirming jurisdiction and obtaining city zoning approval.
Pay city zoning fees and county plan review and permit fees.
Schedule county inspections for building-code work and complete final approvals.

Typical processing time: Medina County Building Department's minimum plan review time is 3 weeks for commercial projects. No citywide zoning turnaround was clearly posted.

Source: City of Wadsworth Planning and Zoning for zoning permits; Medina County Building Department for building permits, plan review, and inspections

General Requirements

City zoning permits are required for new homes, additions, decks and patios, accessory structures, pools, driveway expansions, fences, home occupations, and most non-residential development. Building permits for residential, commercial, and industrial work are issued by Medina County.

Required Documents

City zoning submissions: zoning permit application, site plan or lot sketch
County building submissions: application, drawings or plans, site plot, zoning approval, and other supporting approvals as needed

Building code: Wadsworth zoning is governed by the city zoning code. Building-code permits are administered through Medina County under Ohio building and residential codes.
Contractor requirements: As of January 1, 2025, HVAC and electrical contractors are no longer required to register with the City. General contractors no longer need city registration because building permits are issued by Medina County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25
Plan check fee: $65.55 for new dwellings; $40.30 for other residential plan review items (County)
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Wadsworth uses flat zoning fees and square-foot based formulas for some building fee lines. County building fees apply separately after the 2025 transfer.
Reinspection fee: $50
Payment note: City: applications may be submitted by email or mail, payments may accompany mailed applications or be made after approval by credit card over the phone. County: payments handled through automated email links, online payment, or at the counter.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Above-ground pools containing less than 24 inches of water do not require a zoning permit

Important: No broader Wadsworth public exemption list was located for all permit categories.

Inspections

How to Schedule

330-722-9220 (County) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: County inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility.
Inspection hours: County: ETA information available after 8:30 AM on the day of inspection.

Typical inspection sequence: County building inspections typically follow footing, foundation, rough framing and systems, insulation where applicable, and final inspection. City zoning approval occurs before county permit issuance.

Additional Resources

Building code: Wadsworth zoning is governed by the city zoning code. Building-code permits are administered through Medina County under Ohio building and residential codes.
Verify contractor license: Ohio eLicense Contractor Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Commercial-Industrial Projects
Development Guide for Commercial & Industrial Projects
Planning Commission
Medina County Building Department
License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Wadsworth Planning and Zoning for zoning permits; Medina County Building Department for building permits, plan review, and inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wadsworth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Wadsworth, OH?: City zoning permits are required for new homes, additions, decks and patios, accessory structures, pools, driveway expansions, fences, home occupations, and most non-residential development. Building permits for residential, commercial, and industrial work are issued by Medina County.
How much does a building permit cost in Wadsworth, OH?: The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Wadsworth uses flat zoning fees and square-foot based formulas for some building fee lines. County building fees apply separately after the 2025 transfer.. Plan check fee: $65.55 for new dwellings; $40.30 for other residential plan review items (County).
How do I apply for a building permit in Wadsworth, OH?: 1. Determine whether the project needs only a city zoning permit, or both city zoning approval and a Medina County building permit. 2. For city zoning permits, download the Wadsworth zoning permit application and submit it by email, mail, or drop box with a site plan and supporting materials. 3. For commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects, obtain required Planning Commission approval before the city issues zoning approval. 4. For building-code permits, submit the county application, plans, and site plot through the Medina County PCS process after confirming jurisdiction and obtaining city zoning approval. 5. Pay city zoning fees and county plan review and permit fees. 6. Schedule county inspections for building-code work and complete final approvals.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Wadsworth, OH?: Typical processing time is Medina County Building Department's minimum plan review time is 3 weeks for commercial projects. No citywide zoning turnaround was clearly posted..
What work is exempt from building permits in Wadsworth, OH?: The following work is generally exempt: Above-ground pools containing less than 24 inches of water do not require a zoning permit. Note: No broader Wadsworth public exemption list was located for all permit categories.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Wadsworth, OH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 330-722-9220 (County). County inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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